The conference is being organized by two current Laurier graduate students: Jo-Anne Lawless, MA candidate in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory, and Carla Lopez, MA candidate in Criminology. The theme is Indigeneity, Globalization and the Law.

“The overrepresentation of Aboriginal peoples within the Canadian criminal justice system prompted us to take a closer look at the experiences of all Indigenous peoples with the law,” said Lopez. “Our hope for the conference is to unite the community and the Brantford campus, and showcase what a welcoming community the Indigenous Studies and Criminology programs provide for people of Indigenous descent.”

The conference schedule includes a traditional opening by Jean Becker, Laurier’s senior Aboriginal advisor, and panel discussions on topics including the effects of incarceration, reconciliation and resistance, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Justice Gethin Edward, a member of the Ontario Court of Justice since December 1996, will give the keynote address. He is a lifelong resident of Brantford, and has recently initiated a Gladue court in Brantford.

For more details about the conference, including a full schedule, and registration information, please visit the conference website.